Different yoga styles and how to find the right one for you

This slow-paced yoga is perfect for beginners, taking you gently through the different poses. You’ll also be introduced to the all-important yoga breathing or pranayama. Try inhaling through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth, making a gentle ‘ha’ sound as you do, to get a head start on one of the most popular exercises – the ujjayi breath.

Great for: beginners and people getting back into exercise after a long break.

A dynamic form of yoga that takes you through flowing sets of moves. It’s great for raising your heart rate and building strength. Although it’s a fast-paced form of yoga, because you follow the same routine in every class, once you get to know the progression of poses, you can really focus on the breathing and meditative side of your practice.

Great for: anyone who loves to follow a well-structured workout

Precision is at the heart of Iyengar yoga. Classes focus on teaching poses carefully and gradually, ensuring alignment and posture is just right. Teachers often use props to help you achieve the perfect position and offer plenty of help with postural adjustments and breathing throughout the class. Their attention to detail is ideal if you need to improve stability or protect an injury.

Great for: anyone recovering from an injury or looking to improve technique.

If you’re looking for an energetic form of yoga that will really get your heart pumping, vinyasa yoga (or power yoga) could be right up your street. The flowing sequences are similar in style to those you’ll do in an ashtanga yoga class, but without sticking to such strict sets of moves. Classes vary between teachers but tend to focus on working you hard and building strength rather than yoga’s more relaxing, meditative qualities.

Great for: people keen to focus on the physical side of yoga practice.

Focus on your spiritual side with this uplifting form of yoga. Invigorating movements are balanced with peaceful meditation, dynamic breathing and the chanting of inspirational mantras. It’s attracted a huge following in the States, thanks to some high-profile celebrity devotees, but at its core is a genuine focus on boosting calm and awakening your body’s inner vitality.

Great for: energising both mind and body.

This gentle form of yoga is probably the slowest of the bunch. Classes involve resting in a series of poses, usually for around five minutes each. As you relax into each pose, your body has the chance to realign and restore itself, while your mind practices melting into the stillness and calm that many of us struggle to achieve during our busy lives. It can take a little getting, but restorative yoga is ideal if you’re struggling with anxiety, insomnia or stress.

Great for: achieving deep relaxation.

Also known as ‘hot yoga’, Bikram yoga classes take place in special studios heated to a balmy 40°. Some prior knowledge of yoga is useful, as teachers don’t tend to demonstrate the moves, simply describing them verbally instead. Classes follow the same 90-minute structure every time however, so you’ll soon be able to predict the moves. The heat is thought to help your muscles achieve deeper stretches but take it easy in the beginning – it can be easy to overstretch and cause an injury. You should also make sure you hydrate well before and after a class, as you can expect to sweat – a lot.

Great for: people who love a hardcore workout – and tropical climates!

The perfect complement to a busy life or a strenuous training schedule, yin yoga is a gentle form that helps you slow your mind and give your body a fantastic all-over stretch. Poses are held for longer than the fast-moving yoga styles, allowing you to target tricky-to-reach deep muscles and connective tissues. Over time, you’ll feel your body’s muscles elongate and start to move easier. Just be careful not to stretch too far if you are already fairly flexible or have any connective tissue issues.

Great for: anyone feeling stiff or stressed.

Don’t be afraid to try a few different styles of yoga in your journey to find the right class for you. They all have their individual benefits. You might not know which will suit you best until you find it – and it might change over time as your body and your life evolve. That’s OK, you don’t have to stay married to just one style of yoga!

Neilson yoga classes often include a few different yoga styles to help you find the one that suits. You’ll know you’ve found the right class when you leave feeling refreshed and relaxed with that unmistakeable yoga buzz. Namaste.